They only call when they want something from you

I’m sitting on the couch in my living room when I hear my phone beep on the dining room table. I walk over and pick it up. It’s from C. “Hey what’s up?” it asks.

Odd, I haven’t heard from C in a long time. I wonder what’s going on...

Taking a few steps to my computer, I see an MSN message. It’s also from C. Hmmm. I guess he was trying to get in touch with me.

I text D and tell him what’s going on.

“Oghhhh god.. Saying what. Let’s hear this,” is his reply.

Apparently, C is looking for an internship at the publication I work for. I tell him it’s not going to happen. He has no skills, at all, and being blonde doesn’t cut it for me.

Then the tone changes.

Apparently, he wants to know if I have any internships available at my firm. Although I have considered having one, now isn’t a good time. And even if I want an intern, it wouldn’t be him. There are many more qualified people who I would consider before looking at him as a candidate.

Even D thinks he’s a little too... meh. “Eughh. Unless it is photocopying, social media and getting coffee he would be useless,” he writes in a text.

True. There isn’t anything he could do because he doesn’t know anything. I could teach him, but that’s what his schooling is for. And he would never, never meet any of the clients and have any sort of interaction with them. Because of my busy social calendar, he thinks it's always a party, but this ain’t a party, people. I (net)work at these events. It’s called show business for a reason.

He doesn’t want anything to do with me unless I can help him out. I find it odd he chose me. Doesn’t he boast about having tons of friends in the industry? Supposedly, according to Facebook, he does. But, these friends don’t do anything for him. Even after creating a new world out of glitter and paste, he realized his friends wouldn't lend a hand.

I tried to take him under my wing before, but he shrugged me off, thinking he could do better. As it turns out, he couldn’t.

Oh well, I’m sure I’ll be hearing from him again when he wants something.

Keeping up with the kids

It seems like no matter how well you’re doing in life, there’s a constant need to look over one’s shoulder to take a glance at the others who are catching up to you. The race never ends; whether it’s more money, better job, higher education, etc.

There’s a new form of competition I’ve been feeling recently: keeping fit. True, I’m not overweight in any sense of the word, but some kids gotta keep you on your toes, especially when they're young enough to be considered kids (when compared to my age).

And being involved with someone who has little to no body fat, there’s a time when the pinching fingers come out in front of a mirror with less-than-flattering lighting. But, I should be happy the kid likes me, fit or flab. And that puts a smile on my face... and keeps my ass on a treadmill.

Anniversary day and Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day. Supposedly, the most romantic time of the year. It's the day of grand gsetures and even grander proclamations. Chocolates and flowers are seen throughout the day and candlelit dates are the de rigueur of the night.

And speaking of dates... It was also HN's anniversary on the 10th of February. I almost forgot, which is odd since I should be celebrating something that is at once kept at arms length, and yet is still a very close part of me.

One occasion marks the time when I might or might not be going out with someone to prove they love me. The other occasion marks the time when I realize I love myself, no matter if I'm with someone or alone.

Either way, I guess I don't pay that much attention to dates, no matter time of the year.

Loved seeing you :)

Not too long ago, I was at a fundraiser, dedicated to raise money towards a cultural institution. The tickets were expensive, but it didn't mean the crowd was the hoi-polloi of the city. Everyone was there and they were all having a great (drunken) time.

As I’m moving through the venue with D, I see P, an up-and-comer. What he’s trying to up-and-come is unknown. He’s everywhere and does everything possible; jack of several trades, master of none. We chat, he takes a few photos of me and D, then we go on our way.

Later on in the night (or very early in the morning, depending on perspective), I receive a text from P.

Sorry we didn't hang out more. Loved seeing you :)

I’m not sure what to make of this. When I see people, I don't love seeing them. I usually say something generic like: It was great to meet up. Talk soon!

The text throws me off since I consider our loosely-based relationship to be one of business. Period. I don't know what this text is supposed to mean, especially I don't like P in that way. I'm checking the box for manipulative on the survery. I know he wants something, but I just don't know what it is.